WHERE?Passport Agency -If you leave the country in less than 2 weeks or you need a Visa in less than 4 weeks, you must go to the closest Passport Agency. Applying at a Passport Agency requires an expedited fee and an appointment; you can make this appointment by calling 1 (877) 487-2778. Some Passport Agencies will require evidence of your travel dates for expedited Passports. BEWARE-There are few Passport Agencies and Appointments are not always available immediately so leave enough time to arrange the appointment at your convenience.

Passport Acceptance Facilities -If you have more time, you can apply via a Passport Acceptance Facility. There are many more of these facilities, and thus one may be closer to your residence. The list includes libraries and post offices, and usually do not require appointments in advance. They will typically accept either regular or expedited fees.

Passport Restrictions: Students Age 15 or Younger~Information Updated as of January 23, 2014

*This article presumes a first-time applicant age 15 or Younger. If you are older than 17, visit those instructionshere.

***There are special requirements for Students 16-17, visit those instructions here.

****This and the associated pages are in no way linked to the Official Passport Office; they are only meant to help ease the process. Before actually applying for your Passport, review the instructions on the State Department's website at Travel.State.gov and/or contact the Official US Passport Offices via Phone or Email.

WHO?All American Citizens, regardless of age must have a US Passport to cross international borders. So yes, YOU. The onlypossible exceptionis for students 15 or younger re-entering the US via Canada or Mexico border crossings (does not include by airplane or boat, nor the entry into Canada or Mexico). Those students must still present some form of official identity such as a Birth Certificate.

WHAT?A US Passport is a small, navy blue book that fits in your hand. The front page has all of the information your Driver's License contains - name, date of birth, gender, etc. This is also where you locate the PASSPORT NUMBER. Further in will be an emergency contact form and then a long list of blank pages. Each country's customs officer will stamp the blank pages with the entry and exit dates. You must have a certain number of blank pages available for each nation or you may not be allowed entry.

WHY?The Passport is an official government document issued by the US State Department that alerts US and foreign officials to the fact that you are a US Citizen. It tells them that you have permission from the US government to travel into and out of the United States; that if something happens, you are protected by US laws and treaties; and generally, that the US has decided that you are trustworthy (Passports are not issued to people the US considers to be a threat or safety concern). It does not guarantee you entry into a foreign country, but it always required.

As far as you are concerned, the Passport is mainly important for travel and housing reservations and for fulfilling foreign requirements. All airlines will require the Passport number for arranging your flights, and usually hotels require the same. You may also be required to show the Passport for certain events, entrance to certain locations, or using foreign transportation (i.e. trains). Many nations will require that you always carry the Passport for identification, such that you can be fined and/or arrested if an official requests to see the document and you don't have it on hand.

HOW?*Your Parent will have to be involved in this process and drop off the Passport with you.

Step 1: Fill out a DS-11 Form by Hand or Online. **Don't Sign it until you are in front of the official accepting the application at the drop-off point.

Step 2: Gather Proof of US Citizenship. Documentation might include a valid Passport; US Birth Certificate (meeting the State's Requirements); Consular Report of Birth Abroad; Naturalization Certificate; or a Certificate of Citizenship.

Step 3: Gather Proof of Identification. Either the parent or the student must provide proof of Identification (meeting the State's Requirements). Minors can get a Government issued Photo-ID from their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Documentation might include a valid Passport, Naturalization Certificate, a valid Driver's License, valid Government ID, or valid Military ID.

Step 4: Photocopy all Identification Documents Used. For restrictions on the photocopies, please check out the State's rules.

Step 5: Make sure both of your parents or guardians can come with you to apply. If not,fill outForm DS-3053 and have the parent that doesn't come with you sign it in the presence of a notary. They will have to show their government ID to the notary, and you must also attach a photocopy of the front and back of that id to your Passport Application. You can find a notary at any courthouse or bank. If you only have one parent or guardian, then you need to also submit evidence of that (check out the State's Rules).

Step 6: Get a Passport Photo Taken. Check the Passport Photo Restrictions. These pictures can most easily be obtained within an hour at any Walgreen's photo center.

Step 7: Visit the needed Passport Agency or Passport Acceptance Facility; show them your (or your parents') Proof of ID; and submit to them the following documents together: Form DS-11, Proof of Citizenship, Photocopies of the Proof of Identification, All fees, and the Passport Photo.If one parent could not visit the Passport Facility with you, you must also attach a notarized Form DS-3053 and a photocopy of that parent's ID.

HOW MUCH?You need to submit the exact amount or it may slow down the date of your Passport's arrival. For your convenience, the State Dept. offers a Cost Estimator by which you can calculate the cost for your specific needs. The cost includes the general Passport Fee (Regular or Expedited) and a $25 "Execution Fee" (covering the cost of the Passport's preparation). Students 15 or Younger Regular Fee: $80 + $25 = $105Expedited Fee: $80 + $25 + $60 = $165Overnight Delivery: $80 + $25 + $12.85 (+ $60 Expedited Fee if necessary) = $117.85 ($177.85)

WHEN?It's never too early to apply.Apply as soon as you know you're leaving the country, and take into account the time required for processing as well as the time for shipping the Passport to you. The "Overnight Shipping" fee will only get it to you overnight after it has already been processed, so you will still have to wait the additional processing time regardless of whether you pay this fee.

WHERE?Passport Agency - If you leave the country in less than 2 weeks or you need a Visa in less than 4 weeks, you must go to the closest Passport Agency. Applying at a Passport Agency requires an expedited fee and an appointment; you can make this appointment by calling 1 (877) 487-2778. Some Passport Agencies will require evidence of your travel dates for expedited Passports. BEWARE-There are few Passport Agencies and Appointments are not always available immediately so leave enough time to arrange the appointment at your convenience.

Passport Acceptance Facilities -If you have more time, you can apply via a Passport Acceptance Facility. There are many more of these facilities, and thus one may be closer to your residence. The list includes libraries and post offices, and usually do not require appointments in advance. They will typically accept either regular or expedited fees.